In late August, we saw rumors suggesting that Apple will drop its leather iPhone cases for the iPhone 15 lineup. Now we’re seeing a report that Apple may also phase out its leather band offerings for its Apple Watch.
Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman says Apple will “begin moving away from leather on its Apple Watch bands as well,” which, he also notes, impacts Apple’s partnership with luxury brand Hermès.
A sample/replica of the new leather-free iPhone 15 case. I am expecting Apple to begin moving away from leather on its Apple Watch bands as well, but unclear how this impacts the Hermes partnership (I would assume it does not). https://t.co/dUA36mX2BL
— Mark Gurman (@markgurman) September 5, 2023
Gurman also reports that Apple in August began offering employees its Apple Watch Hermès leather accessories and leather link bands at heavily discounted prices – in some cases up to 90% off. This is what Apple does when it is clearing its inventory.
Update on that assumption: I’m told that Apple last month started offering employees its Hermes leather accessories (and leather link bands) at up to 90% off. Clearly some inventory clearing going on. The internal deal continues but everything is out of stock. https://t.co/fBrLlTY9kC
— Mark Gurman (@markgurman) September 5, 2023
“Several other accessories including many Solo Loop bands in outgoing colors and the MagSafe charging dock [sic] are also on deep discount to clear stock,” added Gurman.
For instance, an Apple-Hermes band normally $850 is on sale for $85 to Apple employees (probably what it is actually worth). Several other accessories including many Solo Loop bands in outgoing colors and the MagSafe charging dock are also on deep discount to clear stock. https://t.co/VmTElj1FcF
— Mark Gurman (@markgurman) September 5, 2023
Last week, we reported on rumors that indicated Apple will drop its premium leather cases when the iPhone 15 lineup debuts, possibly replacing the leather models with a leather alternative featuring a woven look.
The cases are reportedly made of a patchwork of two materials that are said to be more eco-friendly with a smaller carbon footprint than cowhide leather.
(Via MacRumors)
